I hope it's sheds some light on it from a decorators point of view. Plasterers might view it differently. If you get 2 people in for an afternoon they can patch that pretty quickly and skim it. They probably won't want to come back and paint it but you should leave it for a few months to dry if it's plaster and you can tell the tenants that while you work out how to get it painted. A painter would be happier to come in a few months later and paint the entire ceiling. Maybe that's the best approach.
Thanks again! I'm happy to paint it (or my tenants have suggested they'd be up for it) but it's the fix that's beyond me. Your help has been invaluable to understand what I'm quoted tmw and i owe you a beer if our paths ever cross on a ride or elsewhere!
I hope it's sheds some light on it from a decorators point of view. Plasterers might view it differently. If you get 2 people in for an afternoon they can patch that pretty quickly and skim it. They probably won't want to come back and paint it but you should leave it for a few months to dry if it's plaster and you can tell the tenants that while you work out how to get it painted. A painter would be happier to come in a few months later and paint the entire ceiling. Maybe that's the best approach.